The School of Education & Human Services is excited to introduce a new fully online Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership. This 15-credit certificate equips educators to support teachers and strengthen pedagogy through curriculum design, data-driven planning, and best coaching practices that will guide school growth and improve student outcomes.
“We are committed to a Christian philosophy of education,” said Brian Carruthers, Dean of the BJU School of Education and Human Services. “And we want to prepare aspiring instructional leaders to serve their schools with excellence. Our courses are taught by experienced faculty members who actively engage with students and bring years of practical educational leadership experience into the classroom.” Through engaging coursework and practical application, candidates will gain the skills necessary to collaborate with teachers, analyze instructional effectiveness, and foster student success.
Every course in the certificate is offered 100% online, allowing educators to balance work, ministry, and family responsibilities while pursuing graduate study. Should an individual wish to continue his or her studies, graduates may apply up to 15 credits toward the online MEd in Teaching and Learning or MS in Educational Leadership. Educators at Christian schools are also eligible for a 50% tuition reduction, making this program an affordable pathway for professional growth.
The certificate includes five carefully designed courses that provide both theory and hands-on application:
- Ed 632 Best Practices: Instructional Strategies
Explore the process of developing and applying numerous instructional strategies with specific learners in mind. - Ed 638 Curriculum Development & Design
Study the history and theories of curriculum development while learning to design curriculum aligned with a school’s philosophy of education. - Ed 661 Assessment of Learning
Develop skills in educational assessment, data interpretation, test construction, and instructional planning using meaningful assessment data. - Ed 682 Instructional Leadership
Participate in a practicum experience focused on coaching cycles, classroom visits, and professional learning development within the student’s current teaching environment. - Ed 683 Instructional Coaching
Examine coaching models, professional learning theory, and data collection strategies designed to improve instruction and student achievement.
If you are interested in taking your next step to expand your influence beyond your own classroom and invest in the growth of fellow educators, the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership provides a flexible, practical, and Christ-centered pathway forward. Click the link to learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership.
